In the November 2014 edition of Southern Stumpin’, Southern Loggin’ Times magazine Managing Editor David Abbott recounts some of his recent travels. Abbott writes, “On my way back home from a recent trip through Mississippi and Louisiana, I knew I would pass through Mobile to get back to Montgomery and then Birmingham. I have a good friend who lives outside Mobile, whom I haven’t seen, in person, in over four years. I decided it would be a good opportunity to stop and have lunch with her. I texted her to ask if she’d have time to get together. “Normally I just do homework during lunch,” she answered—she’s working on her Ph.D. “But you’re more fun than homework.” I think I will start putting that on my business cards: “David Abbott—more fun than homework.” I suppose it’s kind of an endorsement.”

R&R Fuel Suppliers, Inc.

Southern Loggin’ Times magazine Managing Editor David Abbott has the opportunity to visit R&R Fuel Suppliers, Inc. in Zwolle, Louisiana. Back in 2007, Sam A. Rivers, Jr. said of his son, Henry: “He’s the gambler of the family. He’ll try anything.” More recently, in September of this year, Henry’s uncle Thomas called him “a hell of a businessman.” The owner of R&R Fuel Suppliers, Inc., Henry Rivers, 49, is an entrepreneur at heart. Still, although he grew up in a logging family, Henry didn’t immediately follow in the footsteps of his father, grandfather and uncles. After graduating from Zwolle High School in 1983, Henry went to work for Willamette Industries for 12 years, then started an auto and heavy duty truck parts store in 1995, which he continued to run until 2003. At the same time, Rivers and his then-partner Donald Remedies started R&R Fuel Suppliers in 1999. Rivers eventually bought Remedies out and phased out the fuel focus, but the name remained.

TZ, Inc.

Southern Loggin’ Times magazine Managing Editor David Abbott travels to Zwolle, Louisiana to spend some time with TZ, Inc. Thomas Rivers, 48, the owner of TZ, Inc., is a man clearly happy with his vocation. He is one of those blessed to have figured out just what he wants in life, and moreover, he’s living it. Coming from a big logging family well-established in the area, there was likely never much doubt as to which career path the youngest Rivers child would take. Once he was ready to strike out on his own, Thomas felt no compulsion to compete with anyone for the honor of working himself to the bone first. He’s more than comfortable with what he has. He compares his relatively more low-key operation with that of his nephew Henry, who oversees a six-crew company also based in Zwolle. “Henry is one hell of a businessman,” Thomas says.

B&M Wood Products, Inc.

Southern Loggin’ Times magazine Managing Editor David Abbott visits B&M Wood Products, Inc. located in Manor, Georgia. James Stovall’s B&M Wood Products, Inc., is an operation built around a pole mill, with a logging crew to support it. Stovall, 66, didn’t start his career as a logger, though. He was working as a procurement forester for another company in 1974 when he stopped for a visit with the original owners of B&M. He was actually on his way to a different plant that he was interested in buying, but he’d done some business with the B&M people before, and while he was passing through he wanted to say hello. “They said, you don’t have to go any further, you can buy this place. So I did.” Stovall borrowed some money against a piece of land that he owned, and found himself the owner of a pole mill. Why the change? “ I wanted to go into business for myself,” he explains.

Mark W. Smith Logging

Southern Loggin’ Times magazine Managing Editor David Abbott has the opportunity to spend some time with Augusta, West Virginia’s Mark W. Smith Logging. Fourth generation logger Mark Smith, 50, owner of Mark W. Smith Logging, has been cutting hardwood in the hills of West Virginia for most of his adult life. He makes a comfortable living from it without a single employee. Instead, Smith partners with his son-in-law, Shawn Clower, 38. They are two independent contractors working together as a team. “He’s got his license and I have mine,” Smith says. He and Clower have had this arrangement for the last six years. Prior to that, Smith worked with his father, Wallace Smith, 75, now retired. “Workers’ comp in West Virginia is something like $46 on every $100; if I pay you $100, I have to send $46 to the state, and you just can’t afford it,” Smith explains.

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The Coat Hanger; A Concerned Husband; Giant Sequoia Masterpiece; You Gotta Love The U.S. Navy; The Wine Taster; The Ears Have It

At The Margins is designed to help loggers manage and/or operate their business better. Each month an expert provides information, tips or advice on how to maximize profitability, enhance efficiency or increase business knowledge. This month’s column is provided by Chris Rowan, the Product Support Training Manager for Cat dealer Thompson Machinery. The article is titled, “Tips To Keep The Mechanic Idle.” Click here to view the full article.